BEST BETS

It's a short workweek, but Mondays still are Mondays. Ease into grind with the Mental Graffiti Poetry Set, a monthly open mic where you can throw down with nationally and locally recognized artists. This month's featured wordsmiths: 2007 Mesa/Phoenix Grand Slam champion Chesko and Dollar Store reading series host Jonathan Messinger. 7:30 p.m. $5 (21+). Funky Buddha Lounge, 728 W. Grand Ave. 312-666-1695.

Night flight

So many wines, so little time. Want to diversify your tried-and-true selections but not sure where to start? EnoVersity can help. Take a single class or a "flight" of four classes that focus on one wine region or varietal during this ongoing series that includes cheese pairings. This week's session: dessert wines. 6 p.m. $25 per class; $75 for four classes. Eno, 505 N. Michigan Ave. 312-321-8738.

TUE 11/20

In stitches

If you're feeling crafty (and want to get a few things off your chest at the same time), take your needles to Stitch 'n' Bitch, a weekly get-together for knitters, crocheters and seamstresses that is so not your grandma's sewing circle. All levels welcome -- just bring your threads and mingle with other busy hands. Food and drink available for purchase. 7 p.m. Kopi -- A Traveler's Cafe, 5317 N. Clark St. 773-989-5674.

Naughty bits

When it comes to prose, we agree that "blue" is the new black. Whether you want to steam up the publishing world or just rev up your sweetie with a sexy letter, head to the Erotic Writing Workshop for tips on naughty language tricks, scenarios and style from local author Jennifer Stevenson. 7:30 p.m. $10-$15. Early to Bed, 5232 N. Sheridan Rd. 773-271-1219.

WED 11/21

The best medicine

Sure, your mom laughs at your jokes when you help her stuff the Thanksgiving turkey, but if you're ready to try out your shtick on the rest of the world, head to "So You Think You're Funny," a monthly comedy open mic that also features professional comics. On tap Wednesday: Da Wildcat, Damn Fool and Meechie Hall. Local performer Diane Corder hosts. Sign up at 6:45 p.m. for the open mic. 7 p.m. $15. Tickets: etacreativearts.org. ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave. 773-752-3955.

Ins and outs

Looking for a good, cheap night out before the holidays so you can stash away some cash for Black Friday shopping? Head to Citizen Bar from 7 to 9 p.m. for $14.95 "bottomless" plates of pasta and $3 Snow Queen lemon drops. At 9 p.m., shake your tail feathers indoors and out on a tented, heated, carpeted deck to beats by DJs K.O. and Risky Biz. No cover. 364 W. Erie St. 312-640-1156.